May’s Wildfire Awareness Month calls Oregon homeowners in Sandy, Hood River, Medford, Roseburg, Molalla, Estacada, and Grants Pass to boost their wildfire defense. With embers sparking fires like the Riverside Fire (2020), our third tip features intumescent exterior paint for ember protection. Available from Sherwin-Williams, it improves wood siding, but how does it compare to plain wood siding or fiber cement siding like James Hardie and Allura? This good, better, best guide covers ember protection, costs, and wildfire preparedness. Visit oregonfiremitigationservices.com for more tips.

The Ember Risks

Embers from wildfires ignite homes by landing on flammable surfaces like wood siding. In places like Medford or Estacada, home hardening with fire-resistant materials is key to wildfire preparedness.

Good: Wood Siding

Wood siding (e.g., cedar, lap siding, T1-11) looks great on homes in Sandy or Roseburg but burns easily.

Ember Protection: Ignites in 1–3 minutes under embers, per fire research, risking homes in Hood River or Molalla.

Maintenance: Needs repainting every 3–5 years to avoid rot in Oregon’s climate (Grants Pass).

Costs $10–$16 per square foot installed, or $20,000–$32,000 for 2,000 sq ft. Re-siding is pricier. Repainting adds $6,000–$8,000 every few years.

Drawbacks: Flammable, weak for wildfire defense in Medford.

Why It’s Good: Wood siding is affordable but needs home hardening to reduce fire risk.

Better: Wood Siding with Intumescent Paint

Intumescent exterior paint, special-ordered from Sherwin-Williams, strengthens wood siding. Applied in three steps (primer, paint, topcoat), it forms a heat-resistant char layer.

Ember Protection: Resists embers for 10–15 minutes, per fire tests, protecting Estacada or Medford homes longer.

Maintenance: Repaints every 5–10 years need only the topcoat ($6,000–$8,000 for 2,000 sq ft) in Oregon’s weather (Ashland).

Cost: Paint costs $12,000–$16,000 for 2,000 sq ft, double a standard repaint ($6,000–$8,000). With wood siding, initial costs are $32,000–$48,000.

Drawbacks: Not fireproof, needs professional application, raising costs in Hood River.

Why It’s Better: Intumescent paint boosts wood siding’s ember protection for wildfire preparedness in Grants Pass.

Best: Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement siding (e.g., James Hardie, Allura) is the top choice for wildfire defense. Available at Ashland Lumber, it’s non-combustible.

Ember Protection: Resists embers for 30+ minutes, per ASTM tests, saving homes in Roseburg or Government Camp.

Maintenance: Wash yearly, repaint every 10–15 years. Resists fading in Hood River’s sun.

Cost: Costs $18 per square foot, or $36,000 for 2,000 sq ft. Re-siding may cost more. Low upkeep saves money long-term.

Benefits: Fire-resistant, durable, with 30–50-year warranties. Looks like wood, great for Molalla or Ashland.

Source: Ashland Lumber offers Allura siding for home hardening.

Why It’s Best: Fiber cement siding maximizes ember protection for high-risk areas like Estacada.

Good, Better, Best: At a Glance

• Option
• Ember Protection
• Maintenance
• Cost (2,000 sq ft)
• Fire Protection

Good: Wood Siding

1–3 minutes

High (repaint every 3–5 years)

$20,000–$32,000 + $6,000–$8,000 upkeep

Flammable, needs extra home hardening.

Better: Wood with Intumescent Paint

10–15 minutes

Moderate (topcoat every 5–10 years)

$32,000–$48,000 + $6,000–$8,000 upkeep

Delays fire, better ember protection.

Best: Fiber Cement Siding

30+ minutes

Low (repaint every 10–15 years)

$36,000 + minimal upkeep

Non-combustible, top for wildfire preparedness.

Why Fiber Cement Stands Out

Intumescent paint from Sherwin-Williams makes wood siding better, but fiber cement siding like James Hardie or Allura is the best. It stops embers, protecting homes in Sandy or Medford where fires like Riverside struck. Get Allura siding at Ashland Lumber for strong wildfire defense.

Act Now

This May, safeguard your home in Estacada, Grants Pass, or Roseburg. Pick fiber cement siding, use intumescent paint, or clear vegetation. Check your risk on Oregon’s Wildfire Hazard Map (hazardmap.forestry.oregonstate.edu) or contact fire departments (Sandy Fire District, Hood River Fire). More tips at oregonfiremitigationservices.com.

Conclusion

Wood siding burns fast, risking homes in Medford or Sandy. Intumescent paint resists embers for 10–15 minutes, with affordable repaints. Fiber cement siding from James Hardie or Allura, available at Ashland Lumber, is the best, stopping embers for 30+ minutes. Strengthen your wildfire defense this Wildfire Awareness Month. Visit oregonfiremitigationservices.com. #WildfireAwareness #OregonStrong

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